Winter inspiration

Reasons to visit Amsterdam in winter

Cultural tips for Amsterdam this winter

Winter day trips from Amsterdam

Diverse locaties / Various locations

Artist Impression 'In Bloom' Wilhelmusvlug

Artist Impression 'Solstice' by Studio Vertigo

Artist Impression 'Rush Hour' by OSSO

'Light Gate' by Edwin Baruch

Amsterdam Light Festival

Amsterdam Light Festival returns from November 28, 2024 to January 19, 2025 with a new edition and theme: Rituals. With 27 artworks in beautiful, photogenic places, the festival connects and enriches residents and visitors in anniversary year Amsterdam750.

IDFA

IDFA: International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam

Each November, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) transforms Amsterdam’s city centre into a paradise for documentary film fans. Held since 1988, IDFA is the world’s largest documentary festival and features lectures, workshops and over 300 movies that tell stories about life around the world. Some are funny, others sad, and they all represent the best the genre has to offer. Screenings take place throughout the city and include outdoor showings where you can watch a film under the night sky.

Strandafgang De

New Year's Swim

Start your New Year’s fitness regime with a dip in the sea at Zandvoort aan Zee on  January 1. This tradition is in its 60th year and attracts brave swimmers from all around the Netherlands. There were plenty of brave divers rushing into the sea, even more fun was that friends and family were there to cheer them on and plenty lifeguards just in case they were needed. Lets hope that on January 1, 2025 it will be such a party again.

Koninklijk Paleis

Christmas tree Dam Square

Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace)

Christmas tree on Dam Square

In December a majestic Christmas tree returns to Amsterdam this year to take its traditional place towering above Dam Square in the city centre. The lights are switched on during an illumination ceremony. PLEASE NOTE: The date and time for 2024 are subject to change.

Lunar New Year

Most activities during the Chinese New Year traditionally take place on Nieuwmarkt and the Zeedijk in Amsterdam, but there are usually also festivities on Dam Square. The Chinese New Year starts between January 21 and February 20 every year. In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on January 29, celebrating the Year of the Snake. The snake is the sixth animal in the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac according to the Chinese calendar.

Museumplein

National Tulip Day

Every January, Amsterdam officially kicks off the tulip season during National Tulip Day. Dutch tulip growers invite everyone to pick a bunch of tulips for free in a specially constructed picking garden. In 2025, National Tulip Day returns to the city for the 12th edition, with a new theme to be announced. The Dutch tulip growers and tens of thousands of visitors ensure a colourful start to the new season.

Mastercard Hotelnacht

Hotelnacht 2020

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

Amsterdam Hotel Night

In 2025, and how could it be otherwise, the theme is "Celebrating Amsterdam". Amsterdammers are once again very welcome during this new edition of the Mastercard Hotel Night. For a weekend they can be like tourists in their own city. For a special price you can stay in one of the most special hotels in Amsterdam and you can go to various creative, culinary and cultural hotel parties this weekend.

RAI Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Winter Paradise

The Amsterdam Winter Paradise is the largest and most enjoyable winter event in the Netherlands. Enjoy unique attractions, ice skating, winter snacks and drinks and endless ice fun. The ultimate winter experience returns to the RAI Amsterdam. There is plenty to do both during the day and in the evening. Skate under a blanket of lights on the 3400 m2 indoor and outdoor skating rink, discover the ultimate view of Amsterdam from the mega Ferris wheel or the high swing ride and slide down the tube slide on real snow!

Holiday on Ice - No Limits

The world's most popular ice show returns to the RAI in Hall 12. Holiday on Ice has attracted hundreds of millions of visitors over the years. After last year's 80th anniversary, the spectacle promises to be even bigger and more impressive this year! NO LIMITS tells a story about pushing your boundaries, finding love and the power of human connection. The playful adventure between fantasy and reality will captivate you from the first to the last second. Please note: The end times mentioned are an indication and may differ on the day itself.

Het Concertgebouw Amsterdam

The Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam

Scary Classics at the Movies

After the success of Valentine Classics at the Movies and Christmas Classics at the Movies, it is now time for Scary Classics at the Movies in Het Concertgebouw Amsterdam with music that makes your hair stand on end. A goosebump-inducing program in the Halloween month with music from well-known horror and creepy movies played by a large orchestra.

Westerpark

Funky Xmas Market

It’s already well on its way to becoming an institution in Amsterdam, and in December, the Sunday Market, an art, fashion and design market at Westergasfabriek where designers, artists and other creatives sell their wares directly to the public, gets festive with the Funky Xmas Market.

New Years Eve Celebration Amsterdam 750

New Year's Eve is approaching! Amsterdam is preparing for a special celebration with a 750 twist. Although the details are not yet finalized, we want to let you know that more information will be shared soon. Keep an eye on this page and get ready for a festive end to 2024 in the various urban districts.

Schouwburg Amstelveen

Alice in Wonderland

Die Walkure

Swan Lake

Les-contes-d-hoffmann

Cinderella

Turandot

Romeo & Julia

Le-nozze-di-figaro

Ballet to Broadway

The Royal Opera & Ballet House of London

The Royal Opera & Ballet House London operas & ballets are back in full swing in the cinema of Schouwburg Amstelveen. Please note: The end times as mentioned are an indication and may differ.

PAN Amsterdam

PAN Amsterdam will return in 2025. During the PAN Amsterdam art fair in the RAI you can get inspired, expand your collection, and above all enjoy all the beautiful objects that the participants bring for you this year. During the fair, visit the inspiring PAN Podium or take part in one of the art historical tours. PLEASE NOTE: The dates and times mentioned are subject to change.

De Hollandsche Manege Amsterdam

WhiskyFest Amsterdam

Hollandsche Manege

The WhiskeyFest will open its doors for the first time on January 18, 2025 in the beautiful Hollandsche Manege in the middle of Amsterdam. With 20 exhibitors and hundreds of exclusive whiskies, you are in for a wonderful event, where you can not only taste whisky, but also hear the story behind it from the passionate distillers themselves. Don't miss this unique opportunity.

Winter events and highlights

Christmas markets in and around Amsterdam

Festive season

Ice skating in Amsterdam

Documentary tips for IDFA 2024

All lit up: best spots to see holiday lights in Amsterdam

Tips for New Year's Eve in Amsterdam

Things to do this season

Ice skating on the Canal Ring

Seasonal winter produce in Amsterdam

Most romantic restaurants in Amsterdam

Cosy campfire terraces in Amsterdam

Best oliebollen in and around Amsterdam

Cosy spots for comfort food in Amsterdam

Amsterdam for chocoholics

A taste of winter

Amsterdam comes into its own in the winter months with a festive atmosphere, cosy pubs and plenty of events to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Winter | I amsterdam

Winter in Amsterdam

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